frankincense

noun frank·in·cense \ˈfraŋ-kən-ˌsen(t)s\

: a substance that is burned for its sweet smell and that was used in religious ceremonies in ancient times

Full Definition of FRANKINCENSE

: a fragrant gum resin from trees of a genus (Boswellia of the family Burseraceae) of Somalia and southern coastal Arabia that is an important incense resin and has been used in religious rites, perfumery, and embalming

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Origin of FRANKINCENSE

Middle English fraunk encense, from Anglo-French franc encens, from franc (perhaps in sense “of high quality”) + encens incense

First Known Use: 14th century

Rhymes with FRANKINCENSE

common sense, confidence, evidence, no-nonsense, present tense, recompense, zone defense

FRANKINCENSE Defined for Kids

frankincense

noun frank·in·cense \ˈfraŋ-kən-ˌsens\

Definition of FRANKINCENSE for Kids

: a plant gum that is burned for its sweet smell

Medical Dictionary

frankincense

noun frank·in·cense \ˈfraŋ-kən-ˌsen(t)s\

Medical Definition of FRANKINCENSE

: a fragrant gum resin from trees (genus Boswellia of the family Burseraceae) of Somalia and southern coastal Arabia that is an important incense resin and has been used in religious rites, perfumery, and embalming—called also olibanum